Henry Cavill Cast as the New Superman

Henry Cavill will play Clark Kent and Superman in the upcoming Superman reboot, to be directed by Zack Snyder and written by David Goyer and Christopher Nolan.

Warner Brothers announced today that the actor, who had previously been in the running for the character as well as Batman and even James Bond, would don the red tights.

This is great news. Henry Cavill is best known for playing Charles Brandon in the Showtime television show The Tudors and was one of the best and most likable characters in the series. He doesn’t look exactly like Chris Reeves or Brandon Routh, but he’s a handsome, well-built guy that should help modernize the character’s appearance. He also has acting chops.

In a press release, director Zack Snyder stated:

“In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen. I also join Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”

ABC News reports that Cavill issued this statement:

“In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen.”

Before the new Superman movie, Henry Cavill will be seen in the gritty, mythical action movie Immortals, in theaters this Novemeber. Superman is to be released in 2012, presumably in December.